Following the Filo tragedy in Girne, which resulted in significant loss of life, Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı has been removed from his position. This decision was announced to the public by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel. Üstel conveyed his decision through General Publishing Director Reşat Akar during the Special Agenda program aired on tv2020.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stated that this decision was made to ensure that the General Directorate of Police and the judiciary can conduct the investigation properly. The announcement indicated that the measures taken after the accident had been expanded. As the head of the executive, Üstel noted he had to take necessary administrative actions to ease public concerns.
Before his dismissal, Erhan Arıklı had announced that he would send an official letter to the parliament requesting the removal of his immunity. This situation heightened the seriousness of the investigation.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel’s Statements
In his statement, Ünal Üstel said, “As a coalition government of three parties, we have shown great self-sacrifice. However, the tragic accident occurring today deeply affects our entire country.” The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the responsibilities they hold in resolving the issues that arise after such incidents.
In his role as President, Üstel mentioned that all necessary steps had been taken for the investigation to proceed fairly. He emphasized that this was not a political decision, stating, “This decision is not against the Revival Party or any other political entity,” and added that working together with coalition partners has always been valuable.
Investigation Process and Future Steps
Touching upon Erhan Arıklı’s tenure as minister, Üstel recalled that many projects had been undertaken during their time together. However, he remarked that there was no room for doubt during such a serious investigation process. In this context, Üstel expressed that many people had experienced a painful loss and shared the grief of those affected as a father himself.
Finally, Üstel emphasized that those removed from their positions would not be declared guilty until the judiciary’s decision-making process is complete, asserting, “The presumption of innocence applies to everyone.” He committed to conducting the investigation swiftly, meticulously, and transparently.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
